Let’s talk some more of the numbers that could be relevant to you as a garden center. Nearly 50 percent plan to decorate, more than 46 percent plan to carve a pumpkin, and $2.7 billion will be spent on decorations.

Also, more than 30 percent plan to look within a retail store for inspiration. Online searches (35 percent) beat out that number, but 30 percent of people wanting to solely be inspired for what to buy when they walk into the store is no small number.

I’ve seen so many of the great fall events that you’ve been having in your stores on social media, and I’d love for you to tell me more about them at [email protected].

On a recent trip, I saw that Gardener’s Supply in Vermont is donating 100 percent of its pumpkin sale proceeds to breast cancer research, and each pumpkin purchase gets them entered into a drawing for a pink YETI cooler. Now that’s a way to make a difference in October!

Petal It Forward

Another reason why we love October is the Petal It Forward initiative, which takes place tomorrow (Oct. 11). The Society of American Florists and florists in all 50 states will give strangers two bouquets — one to keep and one to share.

Check out the list of events throughout the country (and Canada), and we can’t wait to see how the event turns out.